Delhi: The Union Sports Ministry has officially announced the winners of the prestigious National Sports Awards 2024, bringing widespread excitement and pride to the Indian sports community. The much-awaited awards will be conferred by the President of India at a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024
The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, will be presented to four exemplary athletes for their outstanding achievements in 2024:
- Manu Bhaker (Shooting): Manu made India proud by clinching two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024 in both the singles and mixed doubles shooting events.
- D Gukesh (Chess): The world chess champion, Gukesh, continued India’s legacy in the global chess arena with groundbreaking performances.
- Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey): A stalwart in Indian hockey, Harmanpreet’s leadership and gameplay were instrumental in India’s remarkable hockey achievements.
- Praveen Kumar (Para Athletics): The Paralympic gold medalist has set a benchmark in para sports with his unparalleled achievements.
Other National Sports Awards
- Arjuna Awards: 34 athletes across diverse sports categories will be honored, including athletics (3), boxing (2), chess (1), hockey (5), para sports (18), shooting (2), squash (1), swimming (1), wrestling (1), and others.
- Dronacharya Awards: 5 coaches will receive the prestigious Dronacharya Award for their exceptional contributions to Indian sports, including Subhash Rana (Para Shooting), Deepali Deshpande (Shooting), Sandeep Sagwan (Hockey), S Muralidharan (Badminton), and Ramando Agnello Colaco (Football).
No Cricket Representation This Year
For the first time in years, no cricketer has been included in the Khel Ratna or Arjuna Award list. Despite Team India’s historic victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, the government opted not to recognize cricketers this year. This decision has left cricket fans surprised and disappointed, with many expressing their concerns on social media.
Controversy Over Manu Bhaker’s Inclusion
Initially, Manu Bhaker’s name was missing from the tentative Khel Ratna list, sparking widespread outrage. However, the official announcement today confirmed her inclusion, recognizing her historic achievements at the Paris Olympics.
A Proud Moment for Indian Sports
The National Sports Awards serve as a testament to India’s growing dominance in diverse sporting disciplines. The event on January 17, 2025, will not only honor the awardees but also inspire the next generation of athletes to strive for excellence on the global stage.
